or....here's a BLINKIE made by Tara!!! Thank you Tara you Rock!!!! Instructions to add moving image:Double Click on the image below, then right click "SAVE AS" - you now have the moving images stored to your computer to upload to your side bar.

You must be wondering what all of this is about???

A few days ago, while I was enjoying several visits to some of my favorite artful blogs, I came across a project underway called "The Butterfly Project" hosted by The Holocaust Museum Houston in Texas, USA. Their mission as follows:

The Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides,we teach the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. And the tag line following it reads:

Stop Hate. Starting Here.

That grabbed my attention. I read on.....

The Butterfly Project mandate is to remember the 1,500,000 innocent children who perished as a result of the Holocaust by collecting1.5 million handmade butterflies.

In Spring 2013, these butterflies will then become a break-taking exhibition to serve as a memory of this event.

Can you imagine? 1.5 million children translated into 1.5 million butterflies....? If you wondering why a butterfly, the project is based on this poem -

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellowPerhaps if the sun’s tears would sing against a white stone....

Such, such a yellowIs carried lightly ’way up high.It went away I’m sure because it wished to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in herePenned up inside this ghetto.But I have found what I love here.The dandelions call to meAnd the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly. That butterfly was the last one.Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Written by Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942 Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921.Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942. Died in Aushchwitzon Sept. 29, 1944.

He was 23. 23. I have a daughter that age.

After a brief moment, I decided, I have to send a butterfly. Then I thought of how I'd love to senda lotof butterflies. Then I thought of the great group of artist friends here ! Who doesn'tlove a butterfly? And who wouldn't betouched by this poem and this tragedy and want to contribute to this meaningful and lasting exhibit and tribute? And wouldn't it be rewarding to encourage as many people as I could to play along with me???

I believe when I come from a place of abundance, a place of Giving, of Heart and of Light, anything is possible. The universe will support me and everyone else when we act from that Higher Place.

I can already see butterflies arriving in my mailbox from kindred spirits like you who share a similar belief. I'll open the envelope, photograph the butterfly and begin collecting a box full of butterflies to send on behalf of all of us!

Will you play with me? Would you like to be a part of this? Join in and make a butterfly?

We'll call it ....

The Butterfly Effect "OPEN"

...borrowing from chaos theory, but much more importantly based on the wonderful notion that if enough people think enough healing thoughts, then slowly our world will be at peace. No one said it better than Gandhi - Be the change you want to see in the world.

The power of the collective consciousness. Wouldn't this be a great place to start?

Consider yourself invited!

How it will work -

Follow the instructions as outlined by the Holocaust Museum highlighted in blue below. When your copyright free butterfly is completed, pop it into an envelope including your name, email and blog or web address and mail it to:

DEADLINE -December 31st, 2011When I receive it, I will email you and then snap a photograph and post it in a central post like a registry and include a link back to your blog. Then once I'm sure everyone's butterflies have made their way here, I'll send them on their way to the museum .... but NOT before I take a photo of ALL OF OUR BUTTERFLIES!!!!

Or, if you'd prefer to bypass the group project, (though it won't be as much fun!) you can mail your butterfly or butterflies directly to the

The deadline for butterflies to be received at the museum has now been established as June 30, 2012

~Here are the Instructions for Making the Butterfly ~

•Butterflies should be no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches.

•Butterflies may be of any medium the artist chooses, but two-dimensional submissions are preferred.

•Glitter and all glitter-related products should not be used.

•Food products (cereal, macaroni, candy, marshmallows or other perishables) also should not be used.

Want to play but time broke? Well, I have an 'app' for that! Here's a simple, quick and easy solution for you. Click on any one of the following images of butterflies, save one, print it out and following the instructions above, art it up, cut it out and mail it in!

Want to get others involved? Here are a few ways -

1. Double Click the image of the hand holding the butterfly above, add it to your sidebar and link it back here.

2. Or write a post about it, or post your butterfly to your sidebar.

3. Ortell two people and ask them to tell two people.

4. Are you an educator or a teacher? Get your class involved. The organizers have a special section devoted for this very purpose here along with five activities, objectives, lesson plans and examples.

Ok, can you tell by how the font size is increasing that I'm excited about this? If you have questions, please feel free to email me at twodressesstudio@shaw.ca (Trudi).

Also, please accept my apologies in advance if I don't respond to your comment here indicating your desire to join. I have made the decision to acknowledge the receipt of the butterflies as they arrive. However, if you have any questions before you send your butterfly, please email me at the address above.

Hi Trudi, I'm starting to work on another fabric collage and came over to your blog for some inspiration when I saw your post. I'd love to be a part of this! Reminders are great & I'm hoping I'll have another "weekend" to work on it as those are my usual days off. This is such a great project, thanks for sharing it!

I am sitting here in tear just reading your post Two! Count me in!!!! What a beautiful beautiful tribute all those women, men & children who's lives were taken unfairly and also to those survivors who have had to live through that horrific time and loose so many loved ones. I would love to be a part of it all Two!

That's unbelievable,I was just talking about the museum's project with my family when you post a comment on my blog!You can count me in.I will also blog about this tomorrow.It's late here in France,I have to go to bed.Trust me when I'm telling you that as Frenchs,we really understand the meaning of this.So many people died in our country.My children will be back to school in 10 days.I will see what I can do.THANK YOU.

Please count me in. I live in Houston, ane the Holocaust Musuem has been a part of my children's education. I think this idea is absolutely amazing and wonderful. I would love to get my children involved. Do you just want us to send you one butterfly, or would it be possible to allow my children to make one as well and send those. Thank you for this opportunity to be a part of something so beautiful,Wendy from Wonderland

What a beautiful project. I look forward to participating! What a great way to honor those that have suffered so and died. The thought of all these hand made butterflies puts such a smile across my face!

I love this idea and want to participate! What about school children becoming involved also? I can imagine schools full of butterflies, eventually winging their way to Houston. What a wonderful way to bring this lesson to today's kids and honor the children who were lost.

I am soooo "in"! And I have already updated my blog and posted an invite to some of my facebook friends and fellow artists who may be interested (already have one rsvp). I've also talked it over with my kiddos (they are extremely creative, also)and they too are very interested in contributing to the cause. Thanks for letting us all know about this wonderful cause Trudi.

Oh my gosh - what a beautiful idea!This grabbed my attention right away.I certainly plan to play. I love how you've made it so easy for us with the downloads. You certainly are a beautiful soul and what a babe Tara is to make those wonderful blinkies.I will get my son to make one too. He loves arts and crafts. I'll try to do it this weekend.Thank you for a wonderful and inspiring project.Hugs,Karenxxx

This is an amazing idea, and I very much would love to be a part of it. I live in the UK and it may take a while to arrive to you. I have the perfect large butterfly stamp and can't wait to get started.

What a lovely idea-I can already imagine all of the butterflies! I'll work on mine tomorrow. Thank you for doing this. I'm sending this out to friends too. Marymary@lozinak.comhttp://www.pinkflamingo61.etsy.com

I'm in! It is an amazing idea and one that personally touches my heart. Thanks for letting us know about the opportunity to be a part of it!Therese Taylorkeyholegallery@gmail.comwww.keyholegallery.blogspot.com

I would really LOVE to take part! I've always been particularly touched by every story about the Holocaust I hear or see on tv... for some reason. I had this nightmare that I was in a gas chamber, a couple of years ago. I woke up feeling... gone. So I want to send my butterfly, too. I'm actually beginning to cry as I'm writing this, so I'll stop and I'll be waiting for your reminders, thank you!

What a beautiful idea! Just so happens I've been working with images of butterflies lately. One question...is it possible for me to email my image to you? Would make it a lot easier and I can send whatever size/dpi you need.Thanks!Take care,Lauren from NJ, USA

I am a Jew and very proud to be. I am also the mother of three beautiful Jewish children and have have many times wondered if my children would have been strong enough to have survived. Would I myself have been strong enough to survive? I thank God everyday that I was born in America and in a time period where my faith will not be tested to this point. I thank in for all the Jews for your effort in collect the butterflies. I will be sending my along quickly so that it may hang proudly with the others.Sincerly, Julie Anne

...WOW!! I just found you via, Mud Hound Studio's gorgeous post about her butterfly, about to make it's journey to you! What an ethereal presentation it will be to open a box of hundreds of ooak butterflies from all over the world!!!! Count me in, and I've linked "the butterfly effect" post on my sidebar.xo, Rosemary

Hi. I found you over at Mosaic Magpie. I was just wondering today what I should join to meet others and create, and here is the answer!! What better way to create than to create with a purpose. Fabulous.Count me in.Thanks so much for doing this.lynn

Without doubt, this is one of the most moving blog entries I have ever read. Thank you for bringing this wonderful event to our attention and for sponsoring a group effort to contribute. My butterflies will be heading your way soon.

Trudi~ I have been moved by this project today and am more than happy to be included. I do not know how many butterflys that I will make exactly but I will be making them. I will also be adding this to my weekly post this evening and my sidebar and then a individual post again next week. I will promote as many of my blog and Yahoo Group friends as I can. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

Hi Trudi, This is a wonderful event and reminder we should never forget.Thank you for this post and the opportunity to participate. Please count me in. I will post the link on my sidebar.When will you know the deadline for sending the butterfly? Have a wonderful day.Hugs and Blessings,Celestina Marie

Dear Trudi,I have moved house now (phew!) and can now finally read about the butterfly project, in fact Frieda reminded me!I would love to take part in your group effort here, what a beautiful idea. Thanks so much for spreading the word about it. I will grab a button and share on my blogs, and make a butterfly, send it to you.thAnK YoU! XO lenna

Butterflies are one of my nature spirit guides and have always had special meaning to me.They often alight on me when I am hiking or just gardening.They are the perfect symbol of spiritual rebirth and the promise of us evolving into beings of light.One of the reasons for naming my own blog after them. Count me in.

Hi, I came here from Lisa Jurist's blog after seeing her fantastic butterfly. I would love to take part in this project too so will send a butterfly your way! Thanks for spreading the word about this lovely project.

Have you heard of the global shoe project? I think you would like it although I am not sure if it's still going. The gallery is worth a look.

What an outstanding show of LOVE .!!!!I'm so excited to be a part of this. Please count me in. I will get on my butterfly ASAP. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such an act of kindness...(((hugs))) Many blessings to you.

Thank You for this, I had heard about this awesome undertaking and your information has pointed me in the right direction.I have posted the link on my blog and butterflys are at this moment cocooning in my mind.

So delighted to find this info. I also have a 23 year old daughter, She has taken all the Holocaust courses her college offers, traveled to Prague and Krakow, Poland and wants a career that honors those lost. I will be honored to participate in this wonderful project!~Marilee

Hi Kylie_Addicted - you didn't leave an email address so I thought this was the next best place to answer your question.I would say the most popular size seems to be about 7 x 5 inches. Thanks for your interest and if you do sign on, please either email me with your contact info or leave it here.

Hi Trudi,This is great thing to do and I am in.Few years ago I visited camp in DAHAO in Germany and had nightmares for months.I will be making Butterflys with my two grandchildren .Thank you from Down UnderVishnja

I am so excited about this project..just added the button to my blog...it will go to the top of my blog in December, once the Mega Mobius Gratitude Quilt invitation comes down. I have forwarded info about this to my friends who are Hebrew School Directors! So I hope this will bring in many beautiful butterflies for a landing!

If you want to add your voice to the gratitude quilt I am still accepting "squares" you can read about it at the top of my blog! (and yes I know it isn't Thanksgiving this week in Canada...but isn't every day a day for giving thanks???)

I sent a copy of your Butterfly Effect URL to as many people as I could think of, many Zentanglers, Artists, Jewelry makers, and friends. I hope they all respond, and forward you're site to their friends, and on and on. I will be making a butterfly, my internet picture is a butterfly. What a wonderful story, a wonderfully creative memorial, and what a wonderful woman you are to post this on your blog and share it with us. I am going to email my local news channel also regarding this project. I really needed this to kick in my belief in the kindness and caring of mankind. It couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you, and Bless you.

I made a butterfly and will send it off to you in a day or two- during Hanukkah, which is a good time of hear to send it out. Thanks for doing this, and I will keep you bookmarked and check to see the great works of art you will receive. Marilyn

Such a wonderful, moving project of Light, Hope and Peace!!!! I'm IN!!! Got your link from my friend Yael from Israel :)Have already added the image and link to my blog sidebar and will post about it tomorrow or Wednesday.

A wonderful project and I want to be part of it.But one question:Is it allowed to use the butterfly as signature in forums too?I want to let other people about this project and so I want to use the picture in forums.

Oh I am so in!!!!! Annuk told me about this today and I shall get the button up on my blog and write about it tomorrow. Just have to get my hubby's printer and get creative :)This is fabulous xxxxCarrie

Its beautiful idea :) I was with my daughter and her girls scout group at the Museum over the year ago. They were going to participate in this project..helpind and educating younger girls. A lot of things happened since then...one of the girls was killed in tragic car accident ...the group practically doesnt "exist" anymore...Actually it was last time I saw her..at the Museum. Maybe I found your page ..for the reason tonight...maybe the girls could finish the project and heal. Thank you for all your efford...You have an amazingly good looking "blog"

Hello TrudiFound 'the butterfly effect' whilst blogging. What an amazing idea, would love to take part and I would appreciate reminders. Will add the button to my blog and also mention the project.Have sent an e-mail with my contact details.Wendy

I'm going to be part of this. I visited the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem two years ago, a very moving place. I'll add the butterfly to my sidebar, blog about the project and be back in a few days to check the details :)

I am "in"-in adding my butterfly to this "kaleidoscopic flutter". I posted about it, and will get mine out to you soon- wonderful project to be a part of!! Thanks for doing this.http://artfullyooglebloops.blogspot.com/2011/01/butterfly-project.html

I would love to participate in this through your blog rather than directly through the museum, how fun and what a great cause! I assume you don't mind us borrowing text from your post to share with our followers :)

Hello, Trudi! I have just discovered your blog and I am smitten! You can count me in for your lovely project! I have blogged about it and will be adding it to my side bar. http://gypsymoonart.blogspot.com/2011/04/butterfly-effect.htmlAlso, I am a Girl Scout leader and I think this would be a beautiful project for my troop! You, most likely, will be getting many butterflies from me!Thanks!Shannon

This is such a fabulous idea and I am thrilled to be a part of it. Now, to get started on that butterfly....BTW, I am posting a notice about this on the atcsforall website. So hopefully you will be receiving lots more responses from my artist friends. This could also be a wonderful project for the B'nai Brith Youth Organizations (BBYO). All the best,Sally

Hello Trudi,My name is Daniella Hayes, and it will be a great honor to be involved in this project. My husbands grand parents escaped from Russia and Poland during the holocaust. Thank God! And it is a subject very close to my heart.

. This blog serves as a resting spot for my explorations in arts and in crafts and my meeting place for other art bloggers in the blogging community. It is not intended to be a diary or a journal of my personal life although occasionally life spills over into it and my thoughts seek a voice visually. I hope you enjoy your visit here and leave with a smile on your face. This blog is dedicated to the memory of my artist mother, to my wonderful soulmate, our combined 4 children, and my loyal studio partner, Mini.